Principal's report

Term 2

As I write this short article, the warmth and sunshine of an extended summer and mild autumn seems like a dim memory. Winter has arrived all of a sudden and the wind and rain has brought us back to earth with a thud! 

But all of this means that we are near the end of a long, busy and successful term and the holidays are not far away. Students in Years 10 and 11 are completing end of semester exams and next week, the final week of the term, work on Semester 2 commences. 

I take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of our boys this term. The energy, enthusiasm and humour they bring to their daily routine is infectious and brings the College to life each and every day! 

The College community shone on Edmund Rice Day and in the spectacular production of ‘Newsies’ at the end of May. Our sporting teams across the football codes of ALF, Rugby and Soccer have performed strongly in the winter season and enjoyed great success.

In this context, I congratulate our 1st XI Soccer team for winning their way through to the ACC Grand Final for a second season in a row. The team played extremely well in some really trying conditions and went down 5-6 in extra time. Well done to all involved – we are proud of your efforts…congratulations! 

And our classrooms during Term 2, importantly, have been places of significant endeavour, learning and growth. 

I thank the College staff for their efforts throughout the term. We are indeed fortunate to have teachers, administrative and support staff who are so dedicated to the cause. We continue to relish the joy and rewards of our work, contributing to and witnessing the formation and growth of our students each week, month and term. 

I hope and pray that all members of the College community enjoy a restful, safe and happy break, and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Term 3 on Monday, 21 July. A reminder that classes commence for all students on this day.

Safety of Students – Important Reminders

The safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount at SPC. In this context, I take this opportunity to remind everyone in the community of the importance of this and to share a few key safety reminders. 

This year, school communities in Ballarat have reported on a number of occasions safety concerns when a student or students have been approached by unknown members of the public and been encouraged to get in their cars. In the last week two such incidents have occurred in the vicinity of Vic Park, not far from St Patrick’s. Importantly and thankfully, the students involved are safe and well and all incidents have been reported to the Police, who are investigating and following up.

In this context, please take time to consider the following safety reminders and find time to talk to your children about them: 

• Always walk directly to and from school and avoid making stops or side trips along the way.      
• Avoid walking alone – whether it’s with parents or friends, always try to walk in a group where possible.      
• If there is anything that makes a young person feel uncomfortable in any way, they should leave the area and report any concerns to a responsible adult – parents or teachers – as soon as possible.      
• Avoid talking to strangers – students should walk away from anyone they do not know and tell a responsible adult what happened.      
• Avoid getting into cars, even if a student thinks they know someone in the car, unless the student has been told that someone known to them will pick them up.      
• Details of incidents are important but should only be recorded, filmed or written down if it is safe to do so.      

Having these conversations with your children can help ensure them feel safe and more confident to handle a difficult situation if it arises.  

If your child has had any safety concerns going to and from school, please encourage them to report it to you and to the school. 

Please remember that the College has a tremendous wellbeing team and members of this team are available to support students if you feel they have been impacted by these incidents.

Stay well and safe everyone, and enjoy the holidays ahead!